Temporal and spatial patterns of stem and root radius changes were continuously measured on mature, subalpine Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) over 2 years. In addition, freezing experiments with stem segments of saplings were carried out in a climate chamber. The dynamics of the radius fluctuations were analyzed in relation to temperature profiles of air, bark, and soil. We found that b...

Tree mortality caused by bark beetle infestation has significant effects on the ecology and value of both natural and commercial forests. Therefore, prediction of bark beetle infestations is critical in forest management. Existing predictive models, however, rarely consider the influence of long-term stressors on forest susceptibility to bark beetle infestation. In this study we introduce pre-d...

Ethanol extract of the stem bark of Streblus asper Lour was considered for qualitative assessment for its secondary metabolites content like alkaloids, glycosides, sterols and others. Bark extract revealed anticarcenogenic i.e. antimitotic, cytotoxic and antitumor activities. Results of different anticarcenogenic activities of the bark extract were discussed in relation to its secondary metabol...

In this study, odorous volatile compounds (OVCs) from market−ready, commercial composts supplied by 14 different producers were compared using a recently developed method involving solid−phase microextraction (SPME) of headspace volatiles followed by GC analysis. The products analyzed were derived from a cross−section of the wide array of compost feedstock ingredients used in the U.S. (e.g., bi...

Phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora nicotianae is an economically important disease in pepper crops. The use of suppressive composts is a low environmental impact method for its control. Although attempts have been made to reveal the relationship between microbiota and compost suppressiveness, little is known about the microorganisms associated with disease suppression. Here, an Ion To...